Luton Airport prepares for new operator as expansion plans reshape future concession

Luton Rising is potentially preparing to appoint a new long-term operator for London Luton Airport when its existing operating concession expires in 2032, according to recent reports by Sky News.

image: London Luton Airport

The report says the company, which is owned by Luton Council, has appointed investment bankers to oversee the process, with a new operator expected to be selected by the end of 2029. Sky News reports the process is being advised by US investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald.

The current arrangement is structured as a concession rather than a sale of the airport itself. Luton Rising, the trading name of London Luton Airport Ltd, owns the airport on behalf of Luton Council, while London Luton Airport Operations Ltd (LLAOL) is responsible for its management, operation and development under a concession running to 2032. LLAOL is owned 51% by Aena and 49% by InfraBridge.

The move comes as Luton prepares for a major expansion. Luton Rising’s plans, approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in 2025 and cleared of their final legal hurdles last month, would increase permitted annual capacity from 19m to 32m passengers by the mid-2040s.

The proposed development includes an expansion of the existing terminal, a future second terminal, additional aircraft stands, taxiway improvements and supporting infrastructure. Luton Rising estimates the programme could support up to 11,000 additional jobs and generate up to £1.5bn in additional annual economic activity.

Neither Luton Rising nor London Luton Airport has publicly confirmed the reported new concession process. Luton Rising says commercial considerations involving itself, Luton Council and LLAOL remain a factor in taking the expansion forward.